War. What is it good for?

Question

Alright, I'm not exactly coining a phrase there.

But seriously. What's the major source of strife, and why do we resort to violence? I've come to the realization that mutual exclusivity is inherently divisive, and by extension the source of most conflicts. It's also at the core religious faith and national pride... making fairly prevalent, to say the least.

Other arguments for the source of military conflicts? Economics? Power? Righteous faith?

And perhaps more importantly - are we doomed to carry on as such violent creatures indefinitely?

Thanks for all the answers so far, everyone.

Pretty_Trini_Rican: I'm leaning toward this answer so far. Thank you.

DJ: I pretty much wholly agree with this view as well; it's hard to argue against.

davenarmy66: Apparently my "educated views" went over your head, or you simply failed to read the question. I didn't make an argument for or against war, I was just asking about the sources of war. Two points for tryin'. ;)

Answer 1

I would go as far as to say 'Yes'.

We are doomed as a species to continue violence indefinitely.

Power is almost always the root of war.

What type of power?!

Political, military, religious and last but certainly not least, Economic.

It is a sad day in the existence of the universe when the death and misery of others are sources of income for those that reap the benefits of such hatred.

"When the power of love is greater than the love of power, the world will know peace."

Answer 2

The sources of strife and the sources of war may not always be the same. As you said, some wars are purely economic while others may be driven by a philosophy that one party wants to force on another.

I'm not sure that mutual exclusivity is the issue, however. If people could exclude others (you're either us or you're them) but tolerate their existence there would be fewer problems. It's the dogmatic view of the world that causes strife.
As author Sam Harris recently pointed out, we have a hard time agreeing on what the bible says and yet there are at least six bible-like books out there, all of which are seen as infallible by their believers. Worse yet, they all leave no room for dissenting views since most of these books came about in a dark period of history when tolerance was probably not even a concept.

This problem is not, of course a religious one- it is one of dogma since the Nazis certainly were not religious but they had very defiinite ideas about who gets to live and who doesn't. And Stalin sets a fine example of a non-religous regime which still could do great harm.

As to whether we are doomed to carry on like this forever. Again, back to Sam Harris- we may not be able to given the inevitable use of nuclear arms by uncivilized radical groups who value death more than life in many cases.

Answer 3

War is good for Martin Thiokol stocks.

Stop complaining and invest in the weapons business.

Look around Automobile factory's are closing Almost every sector of industry is outsourcing. But the weapons industry is stronger than ever. Smart bombs at over a million dollars each. Futuristic weapons R&D. The 1930's was the hayday of the automobile the 50's air transport the 80's saw the boom of electronics, this is the day and time of the weapons industry.

Get in or get out.

Answer 4

Every human accomplishment worth noting has been made possible by war.

War is as much a part of the human experience as anything else that makes us human.

The fact that you have the luxury of sitting around philosophizing about a world without war was made possible through war.

The fact that you are not out tilling some other man's land right now was made possible through war.

War is a reality. It's a really good idea to be really good at it.

Answer 5

Wow. Political science major? I believe it is necessary. Look what happened after we bombed Hiroshima in response to Pearl Harbor. Peace, respect, fear, the baby boom, financial stability. Unfortunately, you will respect who you fear. I'm not talking about a loving respect, but rather a submissive respect. And I believe that is the problem today. We are not showing the world that America is not a country to tango with. We are too concerned with being polite and tolerant. It is costing young men and women their lives and mothers and fathers countless tears. We need another Roosevelt, another Reagan, another Lincoln, don't forget Truman. Strong, fearless men that don't care what anybody thinks. They will offend to defend.

Answer 6

Profit - arms dealers, Halliburton (until recently, when their price gouging became even too extreme for Washington).

Medical science - developing new ways to treat "collateral damage" out of necessity.

Pseudo Patriotism - by the loud mouths who send other peoples kids off to die while sitting comfortable behind their keyboards.

Answer 7

most war is a pissing contest. they lose the concept of right and wrong from the start. power, greed, control, and conceit are the major basis of wars. very few wars in history have been fought about virtue. and even those weren't 100% virtuos.

Answer 8

Hum, I guess we should have explained your educated views to the highly reasonable people who flew airplanes into the World Trade Center, or just let terrorists kill our people and we kill them with kindness.
"People sleep peacefully in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf."
Winston Churchill

Answer 9

I don't think war will ever go away. Unfortunately the world needs to experience the horrid's of war every once in awhile as a reminder to why we MUST strive to avoid it.

Answer 10

unfortunately some lobbies use wars to make profit on civilians dead bodies and use the military for profit , countries sell arms ,it is an important source for making huge profits and billions of dollars